Brits fib about how green they are, poll finds

29 June 2012

Posted by John King

Many Britons are telling little white lies about how green they are, a new survey has found.

The Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) asked a number of people about what measures they take to reduce their carbon footprint and help the environment.

However, it appeared they may be claiming to be more proactive than they actually are.

Some 26 per cent admitted they had only pretended to turn their heating down after being advised to by friends or experts, while 22 per cent revealed they do not recycle as much as they claim to.

Half of the respondents said it was peer pressure that makes them tell such lies.

However, they may be shooting themselves in the foot, because being green can save significant amounts on bills for home heating oil and other fuels.

For instance, First Utility and Which? recently said turning down thermostats by one degree may reduce energy usage by ten per cent.

The CII's David Thomson said Britons may not see the point of doing their bit because they cannot see a solution to - or do not believe in - global warming.

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